The Latest News

Site Information

Computerized Telescopes

Computerized Telescopes offer a significant benefit to an amateur astronomer, so will be one of the primary considerations when looking for a new telescope.

As there are countless objects to locate and observe in the night sky this type of scope has obvious advantages, not least being able to locate and find objects very quickly. This allows an amateur astrononmer to do far more than would otherwise be possible ina single evening.

If you think you may have an issue because of the technology involved, you can rest assured that the majority are user friendly and really simple to operate, so that should not be a concern.

Further Considerations

Apart from weight and size of the scope the next biggest consideration will most likely be the cost, and as computers can add significantly to the cost it needs to be thought about carefully.

If you are on a budget, bear in mind that you won't be able to buy as large a telescope if you go for one with a computer. This is very important, because telescope size not magnification will determine its performance, so you may decide to put your money into a larger scope instead of spending the extra on a computer.

Motorized or Non-Motorized

However, if you do choose to go with a telescope with a computer there are a couple of options available to you. You can choose to go motorized (referred to as a "GOTO") or go for a non motorized version.

A GOTO computer has everthing built into the telescope mount, you simply choose an object using an hand held hand controller. The telescope then moves to the chosen position and will with the aid of the computer keep the object in view for as long as you wish to observe it.

Non motorized scopes still have the computer built in but without the motors required to drive it.This simply means you have to move the telescope by hand to the object you wish to observe, the computer guiding the way.

Popular Meade and Celestron computerized telescopes

Celestron Nexstar 102sltThe 102 SLT, like the other models in the SLT Series, comes with a fully computerized hand control with a database of over 4,000 celestial objects.